Cyclocross Magazine was the first to see Clement’s X’Plor USH mixed-terrain (gravel) tire way back in August 2011, but the tires, along with the sister X’Plor MSO tire, now have become some of the more popular gravel grinder tires, with smooth-rolling, long-lasting treads and three different widths to chose from. We’ve been testing these tires recently, and will have a review coming soon, but we took a closer look at the tires at Frost Bike 2014.
Walk around Frost Bike and you can’t help but notice two things: 1) the number of bikes being shown or equipped with Clement tires; and 2) the number of companies talking about gravel.
Clement has plenty of gravel tire options, with the X’Plore MSO and USH tires joining the LAS as good dirt road and gravel tires. © Cyclocross Magazine
Clement seems to have become the default tire option for gravel bikes, and for good reason due to the six different variations of two gravel-oriented treads.
The X’Plor USH tire (left) comes in a 700x35c width, and has 60tpi and 120tpi versions, and Clement says it is aimed at riders who look to tackle “dirt roads, touring, and urban assault.”
The X’Plore MSO tire (two right) comes in both 700x32c and 700x40c widths in 60tpi and 120tpi casings, and is targeted to “bridge the gap between pavement and blazing your own trail.” The MSO tire is named for the airport code of Missoula, Montana, home of the Adventure Cycling Association. Got an cycling adventure planned? Clement wants you to roll with them.
The 40c MSO clincher is one of a few wide 700c tire options to come to market (along with the new WTB Nano 700x40c gravel tire, the Kenda Happy Medium 40c, and the 43c Bruce Gordon Rock ‘n Road among others), after the 29er trend killed most of the 40-45c tires in the last five years.
Cyclists with cyclocross bikes with good clearance should be able to fit a 40c version of the MSO, but the 35c and 32 X’Plor options should fit all cyclocross bikes.
More info: clementcycling.com
See more cyclocross gear, bikes and other goodies from Frost Bike 2014.
